Atlanta — July 31, 2000

Chancellor Stephen R. Portch has named the University System of Georgia’s long-time governmental affairs representative, Thomas E. Daniel, as interim senior vice chancellor of human and external resources with the Board of Regents. The appointment is effective immediately.

Daniel currently serves as vice chancellor for external affairs for the Board of Regents. He began his tenure with the nation’s fourth largest system of higher education in 1982, as special assistant to the chancellor. He joined the Board of Regents after having worked for Georgia Gov. George Busbee.

Daniel is a product of the University System, having earned a B.A. in political science in 1974 from the University of Georgia. He entered politics directly out of college, launching his career as a member of the George Busbee for Governor campaign staff. He went on to serve as administrative assistant for Gov. Busbee from 1975 to 1978 and later managed his 1978 re-election campaign. He continued to serve as his administrative assistant until leaving to help coordinate Joe Frank Harris’ successful gubernatorial bid in 1981-82. The Board of Regents was his next career move. He has held his current position since 1988.

Daniel leads and oversees the communication of the University System’s messages to the Georgia General Assembly and other key constituencies. During the legislature’s annual 40-day sessions, he is a constant presence at the State Capitol, and his advice and expertise are much sought after by elected officials.

“Tom Daniel’s dedicated service, knowledge of the issues, political activity and communication skills are the University System’s legislative arsenal,” said Portch, who also calls Daniel the “institutional memory” of the Board of Regents.

Daniel fills the post being vacated by Michael Vollmer, who was recently appointed by Gov. Roy Barnes to head the Office of Accountability in Education after serving briefly as interim vice chancellor of human and external resources. The post initially was vacated on June 1 by Dr. Arthur Dunning, now vice president for public service and outreach at The University of Georgia.

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